`LICK' WINTER'S DRY LIPS WITH WATER, LIP BALM

Lip care should be part of your preventive skincare routine for winter.

The lips are made up mostly of striated muscle and connective tissue covered by delicate mucous membrane. They lack the outer layer known as stratum corneum which is found in other skin, thus are especially prone to drying, says Dr. Charles Zugerman, associate professor of clinical dermatology at Northwestern University Medical School.Zugerman, also a consultant to Blistex Inc., offers advice on how to help cut down the risk of dry cracked lips, which can lead to cold sores and fever blisters: drink lots of water, look for ways to humidify your environment, avoid excessive exposure to wind, sun and glare and use a lip balm or medicated ointment to protect and promote healing.